The Tombs of the Assyrian Queens Yaba, Banitu, and Atalia

The Royal Tomb of Nimrud were first discovered in April of 1989 by an expedition of
the Iraqi Department of Antiquities and Heritage. The Tomb was located in the
North-West Palace of the Ancient city of Kalkhu (modern city of Nimrud). The city
of Kalkhu was a capital of the Assyrian Empire for over 150 years until King Sargon
moved the capital to Dur-Sharukin (modern Khorshabad) in 717 B.C. The city
is located 4 miles south-west of the Christian monastery of Mar Behnam. The first dig
of this ancient site was conducted by a British mission over 150 years ago, which
uncovered many reliefs. Many Ancient Assyrian Tombs have been found in the past,
however the goods had all been plundered and stolen. Two remaining tombs exist; one
in Berlin and one in its original location in the city of Ashur. The sarcophagus in the
tomb chamber contained hundreds of items including jewelry, vessels, ornaments,
seals and other goods. The items displayed Syrian and Phoenician iconography in
addition to central Assyrian Art. The treasures Belonged to:

Yaba, Queen of Tiglathpileser III, king of Assyria 744-727

Banitu, Queen of Shalmanasser V, king of Assyria 726-722

Atalia, Queen of Sargon II, king of Assyria 721-705

Outline
showing the location Citadel with respect to the city of Nimrud.

The
western corner of the city with the new path of the Tigris river.

The
plan of the citadel.

(View
of Asurnasirpal II's palace with a view of the ziggurat associated with
the Ninurta Temple).

The
citadel (which includes Asurnasipal II's Palace and the main temples to
Ishtar and Ninurta, along with the main ziggurat).

The
location of the three tombs.

A
3D drawing of the second tomb.

The
main tomb of Yaba (a queen of Tiglath-PalisserII).

The
Third tomb. The Third tomb. Note the (sarcophagus is made of bronze)